Capstone - Rules of Engagement

The execution of the Capstone project at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Engineering is one of the most intense educational experiences for the student teams and their instructors/mentors. For many students, it is the first time they work one on one with a professor and the first time their entire grade relies on their performance on one project that is executed over such a long period of time. In addition, for many, it is the first time their performance on a team is directly observed and evaluated for aspects such as teamwork, personal contribution and ability to sustain a long-term, congenial relationship with each other and with their professor. To be successful, students need to develop the characteristics of a life-long learner, develop project planning and team dynamics coping mechanisms, combine and apply problem solving skills, and strike the balance between demonstrating independent thinking and exhibiting what the fivefactor model (FFM) calls the “agreeableness” trait [1] [2] [3]. For the professor, very often there is little control over the team composition and no guarantee that the team will be able to sustain good work habits and healthy team dynamics for the entirety of the experience. At our institution, the projects culminate in a Capstone Expo that is attended by an audience ranging in skill sets and interests from Middle and High School students to industry partners, industry experts, engineering students and faculty and students from around the university. This paper will cover all the above aspects of the Capstone experience up to and including preparing the team for the Expo.